Legendary Comedian & 'Grease' Star Sid Caesar Has Passed Away at 91

Following news that former iconic child star Shirley Temple had passed away, another iconic star from Hollywood's rich history is gone. THR reports legendary comedian and star of film and television, Sid Caesar, has passed away at 91. Caesar's friend and collaborator Carl Reiner confirmed the news, though a cause of death was not given. Reiner said, "Inarguably he was the greatest single monologist and skit comedian we ever had. Television owes him a debt of gratitude for his pioneering work and the great shows he gave us all. Render onto Caesar what is his due. He deserves real applause from the American people."

While Caesar is best known for his television work, especially his Saturday night variety shows "Your Show of Shows" and "Caesar's Hour," it's important to note that without these programs, we might never have gotten some of filmmaking's finest talents like Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart, Reiner himself and many more. All of these comedians and writers were given their big breaks on Caesar's shows, and many of them are iconic talents in their field, just like Caesar in the 50s and even 60s.

Of course, besides giving these big talents their start, Caesar was a star in his own right. Some of his film appearances include It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World, Grease (and the sequel), The Cheap Detective and Mel Brooks' History of the World: Part I and Silent Movie. Caesar also took to television outside of his own classic live programs with appearances on shows like "Mad About You" and "Life with Louie." Coincidentally enough, Caesar's last major film role saw him getting a rather comedy death in front of the Griswold family at a casino in Vegas Vacation. And his final TV appearance had him doing live comedy on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

Caesar's work landed him in the Television Academy Hall of Fame and just a few years ago he received a lifetime achievement award from the Television Critics Association, not to mention being nominated for an Emmy for seven years straight in the 50s, and even winning a couple. It's undeniable how Caesar advanced the world of comedy, and without his work on television, we wouldn't have some of the finest comedic talents who have made decades of hilarity. Sid Caesar changed the face of comedy, and his impact and contribution the business of laughter will last forever. Rest in peace.